A Dirty Dozen with LEXI LAYNE – September 2022

According to a recent press release: “Today hard rock vocal powerhouse Lexi Layne unleashes her gory, gothic music video for “Self Sabotage.” It’s no secret that the world of metal and heavy rock is male-dominated, yet inspired by the likes of In This Moment’s Maria Brink and Evanescence’s Amy Lee, Layne is setting her sights on making this corner of the industry more equitable. Following the release of her industrial-tinged, thrashing debut EP Sinner and Saint, Lexi is proudly sharing a stunning, horror-themed music video for “Self Sabotage” alongside her full band. Lexi is bursting with ‘strong alpha female’ energy, she describes.  This is evident not only in her new release but in visuals for the sleek “DOMINATE” and raw title track “Sinner and Saint.” We get Lexi to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

My newest release “Self Sabotage” will have you feeling mixed emotions. The song is high energy with a beautiful vocal arrangement. The song in my eyes triggers our darkest moments in life regarding feeling down on ourselves, battling good and evil constantly. There is definitely a lot going on musically in the song that I still find myself hearing different things each time I listen, but nothing is actually hidden.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I grew up performing in musical theatre. The stage has always been my home and where I truly feel the most comfortable. I turned to songwriting and working on my own music at the age of 15. I knew right then and there that performing was my calling.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Growing up I was always listening to a variety of rock and metal artists. Marilyn Manson, Evanescence, Flyleaf, Paramore, Within Temptation, and Pantera.  These musicians had a massive impact on my musical taste. I like to think I’m a combination of those influences.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

That is a really tough question, if I had to pick one person I would choose Noah Sebastian from Bad Omens. The power and depth he has in his voice I think is absolutely amazing, I would be so interested to hear our voices on a track together.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

I’m a big gym rat, I love to workout and get those good endorphins going! Also, I’m big fan of just relaxing, watching horror movies, and meditating to unwind.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

The best word I would use is my music is “captivating.” I have also been told the music really pulls you in with its haunting sound and in-depth lyrics.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

The guys in my band are great! Super chill and down to earth. We haven’t spent too much time together yet but I’m looking forward to those moments!

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I don’t get really get star-stuck, surprisingly.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part is being able to fully express myself. There is no better feeling than putting your heart and soul into a song and having your fans relate with you. If I wasn’t a musician I would probably still stay in the arts field, I would be a vocal or acting coach.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I am never tired of answering questions that I want to be heard. I always say I am a open book and here to get my voice heard. I think of all the interviews I have done and every interviewer has hit every question spot on with me.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I am a firm believer everything happens for a reason. I am where I am today because of my past, whether they were hardships or amazing moments. I’m grateful and don’t regret anything.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Evanescence’s 2006 album The Open Door. That album is absolutely breathtaking in every single way. I never get sick of having that record on repeat.

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Category: Interviews